Oregano Oil, the magic healing oil

What consumers should be aware of ?

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There are a number of things consumers should be aware of when purchasing Oregano Oil.

The essential oil steamed-distilled from oregano leaves - which were harvested from wildly grown oregano (of the Oreganum Vulgare species) in the remote pollution-free mountains of the Meditarranean - contains varying amounts of thymol and carvacrol which can constitute as much as 90% of the oil. You should ensure that the bottle you are buying contains information as to the level of carvacrol there is in that bottle.

One should be sure to get oregano oil from a reputable company, for it has been suggested that many of the oils available commercially are derived from non-oregano species, particularly various types of marjoram and thyme.

Furthermore, there are different concentrations of oregano oil available that are being made with different extraction techniques which may involve the use of solvents. Typical doses, depending on the concentration, are 1-4 drops per day. As for oregano oil in the form of capsules or tablets, the typical dose is one capsule or tablet 1-4 times per day.

Unfortunately, however most of the oregano that consumers are familiar with contain only trace quantities of the actual species of that plant, or in some cases none at all.

Consumers, therefore, must beware of cheap imitations. The significant health benefits are unattainable if the oregano is not the true substance. Do not use a substitute or oregano from a grocery store because it will have no effect. oil of oregano natural herbal supplement offers a variety of remedies.

So while oregano may hold the answer for a number of your health questions, be sure that it is in fact the real thing. Remember, these remedies are only attributed to genuine oregano and oil of oregano. Nonetheless, their values are much too important to overlook. Oregano may just be the thing you are searching for, or maybe did not realize was available.

Uses of Oregano

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Wild, crude, mountain-grown oregano (from the Mediterranean) is the only kind that is naturally rich in 'carvacrols, flavonoids, and terpenes', which give the oregano its tremendous strength.

Carvacrol is a natural phenol that contains powerful anti-microbial activity. Flavonoids provide natural antiseptic properties. While Terpenes (long chain hydrocarbons) are natural anti-inflammatory agents.

Natural Decongestant

Carvacrol, Flavonoids, and Terpenes are Mother Nature's antihistamines and decongestants. Super Strength Oil of Oregano has over 70% Carvacrol by weight. That is an abundance of healing power.

Consumers must beware of cheap imitations. Oregano oil may be used internally and topically. Cheap brands of oregano oil are often unsafe and adulterated.

Anti-Allergy Properties

Every potential allergy sufferer needs to know that wild oregano is capable of halting your next allergy attack in its tracks. It is effective, reliable, and safe. Over-the-counter drugs have side effects, and they are not your only option. Try a natural approach first. Don't be a victim of allergies any more. Wild oregano overpowers them every time.

Antibacterial Agent

Oregano is also an excellent antibacterial agent. Its volatile oils are highly active against the majority of pathogenic bacteria, including staph, strep, and E.coli.

Antifungal Agent

Furthermore, fungal resistance to oregano oil is exceptionally rare. Oregano is such a potent antifungal agent that it is capable of destroying even resistant fungal forms such as the mutated fungi which result from antibiotic therapy.

Many Therapeutic Uses

Internally:

Use the Super Strength on or in the body. It is strong, so when using it internally, start with small amounts, like one or two drops twice daily in juice. Take one drop twice per day working your way to one drop four times per day. Mix with one teaspoon of honey, maple syrup, or olive oil to improve palatability. Take for a period of 15 days and then stop for 15 days. Then repeat the process.

Externally:

Oil of oregano may also be applied topically to treat itches, infections of the skin, gums, teeth, and just about any orifice in the body. Exercise care if you use it in the genital region where it is best mixed with olive oil or coconut oil before application (1 drop per teaspoon of olive oil or coconut oil/butter).

No Side Effects

There are no side effects and it is compatible with any other natural remedy or prescription drug.

Oil of Oregano Effectively Treats:

. acne . allergies . arthritis . asthma . athlete's foot . constipation . croup . dandruff . diarrhea . digestive disturbances . insect bites . bronchitis . canker . sores . colds . flu . earaches . fatigue . gum disease . parasites . headaches . menstrual irregularities . psoriasis . toenail problems . seborrhea . ringworm . rosacea . sinusitis . muscle pain . varicose veins . warts

The cure is in the cupboard

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Dr. Cass Ingram is a physician, educator, and author of over 10 books. He spent the better part of 1995 and '96 investigating the therapeutic values of wild oregano and oregano oil, and publishing the first book on its health benefits called "The Cure is in the Cupboard".

Dr. Ingram calls wild oregano nature's most versatile essential oil. He notes that "wild oregano is a veritable natural mineral treasure-house, containing a density of minerals that would rival virtually any food."

The wild oregano is rich in a long list of minerals that include calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, copper, boron, and manganese, and vitamins that include vitamin C and A (beta carotene), and niacin.

Oregano oil is a powerhouse for:
• fighting yeast, fungus (skin and blood-born)
• knocking our allergies, hay fever, and sinusitis
• stopping infections (cold and flu).

Dr. Ingram learned about its strength first hand, as he suffered from a blood-born fungal infection that incapacitated him several years ago. Dr. Ingram had to close his practice and move home to live. He tried everything, and ultimately discovered the potent antiseptic activity of wild oregano. It put him back on his feet.

Of late, the antiallergic feedback Dr. Ingram have received has been most impressive. Although the oil of oregano has been used since ancient times to fight yeast, fungal and viral infections, oregano's ability to wipe out allergies, runny nose, sinusitis, and nasal drip has taken him by surprise.

Oregano is one of Nature's finest preservatives states Ingram in another book, Supermarket Remedies. The author suggests that if oregano is used with foods such as meat, eggs, milk, or salad, you "will greatly halt the growth of microbes and, thus, reduce the risk for food poisoning."

More research and studies on Oregano

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In an abstract in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition that appeared last year, 18 mice were injected with the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Three of the six mice that received oregano oil orally survived the infection, while two of the six mice that received the antibiotic vancomycin did. All six of the mice that received no treatment died within three days

The same researchers also tested oregano oil's effects on mice who had been injected with the yeast Candida albicans. In the study, published last year in the Journal of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, all six of the mice fed oregano oil survived more than 30 days with no sign of Candida infection, while all six mice that were fed just olive oil died within seven days.

A small study published in Phytotherapy Research in 2000 examined the effects of oregano oil on eleven adults with the intestinal parasite Blastocystis hominis, which can cause diarrhea, anal itching, and weight loss. Participants took 600 mg of oregano oil daily for six weeks. Eight were completely free of the parasite, and the remaining three participants had a reduction in symptoms.

A researcher from Georgetown in Washinton, DC found that oregano oil may protect against drug-resistant bacteria. He further found that Oil from the common herb oregano may be an effective treatment against dangerous, and sometimes drug-resistant bacteria. Two studies have shown that oregano oil--and, in particular, carvacrol, one of oregano's chemical components--appear to reduce infection as effectively as traditional antibiotics. These findings were presented at the American College of Nutrition's annual meeting October 6 and 7 in Orlando, Fla.

Harry G. Preuss, MD, MACN, CNS, professor of physiology and biophysics, and his research team, tested oregano oil on staphylococcus bacteria--which is responsible for a variety of severe infections and is becoming increasingly resistant to many antibiotics. They combined oregano oil with the bacteria in a test tube, and compared oregano oil's effects to those of standard antibiotics streptomycin, penicillin and vacnomycin. The oregano oil at relatively low doses was found to inhibit the growth of staphylococcus bacteria in the test tubes as effectively as the standard antibiotics did.

Another aspect of the study examined the efficacy of oregano oil and carvacrol, which is believed to be the major antibacterial component of oregano, in 18 mice infected with the staph bacteria. Six of the mice received oregano oil for 30 days, and 50% of this group survived the 30-day treatment. Six received the carvacrol in olive oil, not oregano oil, and none survived longer than 21 days. Six mice received olive oil alone with no active agents (the control group) and all died within three days.
A repeat study corroborated these findings, which demonstrates that there are components of oregano oil other than carvacrol that have antibiotic properties. "While this investigation was performed only in test tubes and on a small number of mice, the preliminary results are promising and warrant further study,"

Preuss said. "The ability of oils from various spices to kill infectious organisms has been recognized since antiquity. Natural oils may turn out to be valuable adjuvants or even replacements for many anti-germicidals under a variety of conditions." This study was sponsored by Waukegan, Ill.-based North American Herb and Spice.

Georgetown University Medical Center includes the nationally ranked School of Medicine, School of Nursing and Health Studies, and a biomedical research enterprise. For more information, please visit http://www.georgetown.edu/gumc

The body of positive evidence for oregano oil as a major antibiotic is growing. Among 52 plant oils tested, oregano was considered to have "pharmacologic" action against common bugs such as Candida albicans (yeast), E. coli, Salmonella enterica and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. [Journal Applied Microbiology, Volume 86, June 1999] Pseudomonas is a type of germ that is getting more difficult to treat as it has developed strains that are resistant to antibiotic drugs.

• Oil of oregano at relatively low doses was found to be efficacious against Staphylococcus bacteria and was comparable in its germ-killing properties to antibiotic drugs such as streptomycin, penicillin and vancomycin. [Science Daily 10/11/2001]

• Researchers at the Department of Food Science at the University of Tennessee reported that, among various plant oils, oil of oregano exhibited the greatest antibacterial action against common pathogenic germs such as Staph, E. coli and Listeria. [Journal Food Protection, Volume 64, July 2001]

• British researchers reported oregano oil had antibacterial activity against 25 different bacteria. [Journal Applied Microbiology, Volume 88, February 2000]

• Of more recent interest are reports showing that carvacrol from oil of oregano kills spores, such as Bacillus cereus and Bacillus anthracis (anthrax). [Archives Microbiology, Volume 174, October 2000; Quarterly Review Biology, Volume 73, March 1998]

Bacillus cereus is considered to be from the same species as Bacillus anthracis (anthrax). [Applied Environmental Microbiology, Volume 66, June 2000]

In tests of antibiotics and antiseptics, Bacillus cereus is often used in studies in lieu of the anthrax strain. [University of Michigan News & Information Service, Sept. 23, 1998]

• The growing problem of antibiotic resistance has health authorities extremely concerned. It is already the case that various germs are showing resistance to vancomycin, particularly to intestinal bacteria (Enterococcal species) among hospitalized patients. [Southern Medical Journal, Volume 94, August 2001]

• Vancomycin is considered to be the most potent antibiotic available and is withheld from use as a drug of last resort. Drug resistance does not develop against naturally-occurring antibiotics such as garlic and oil of oregano.While the killing action of oregano oil in many studies was the result of activity in a "test tube" or culture media, enterically coated products will deliver the oil into the GI tract. These antibacterial actions have not yet been confirmed by human clinical trials.

Many studies have been done with oregano over the years, but I could only find one involving a human trial. Numerous laboratory and animal studies indicate the health benefit of oregano include immune stimulating effects, blood sugar control properties, antioxidant, anti-fungal, anti-parasite, and anti-bacterial activities. However, since human trials are lacking, the benefit of oregano oil or oregano herb in terms of human disease prevention and treatment is difficult to say.

Performance of rabbits and oxidative stability of muscle tissues as affected by dietary supplementation with wild oregano essential oil.

Arch Anim Nutr. 2004 Jun;58(3):209-18. The effect of dietary supplementation with herb oregano essential oil on the performance of rabbits, and the susceptibility of the produced raw and thermally treated muscle tissue to lipid oxidation during refrigerated storage, were investigated. A total of 96 weaned rabbits were separated into four equal groups with three subgroups each. One group was given the basal diet and served as control, two groups were administered diets supplemented with oregano essential oil at levels of 100 and 200 mg/kg diet, whereas the remaining group was given a diet supplemented with alpha-tocopheryl acetate at 200 mg/kg.

During the 42-day experimental period, body weight and feed intake were recorded weekly and the feed conversion ratio was calculated. Feeding the experimental diets to rabbits, performance parameters were not affected. Therefore, dietary oregano essential oil exerted no growth-promoting effect on rabbits. With increased supplementation of oregano essential oil, malondialdehyde values decreased in both raw and thermally treated muscles during refrigerated storage.
This finding suggests that dietary oregano essential oil exerted a significant antioxidant effect. Dietary supplementation of oregano essential oil at the level of 200 mg/kg was more effective in delaying lipid oxidation compared with the level of 100 mg/kg, but inferior to dietary supplementation of 200 mg alpha-tocopheryl acetate per kg.

This study indirectly provides evidence that antioxidant compounds occurring in oregano essential oil were absorbed by the rabbit and increased the antioxidative capacity of tissues.

Anti-hyperglycaemic activity of the aqueous extract of Origanum vulgare (wild oregano) growing wild in Tafilalet region.J Ethnopharmacol. 2004 Jun;92(2-3):251-6.

The effect of an aqueous extract of wild oregano leaves on blood glucose levels was investigated in normal and streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats. In normal rats, the blood glucose levels were slightly decreased 6 h after a single oral administration as well as 15 days after once daily repeated oral administration of aqueous wild oregano extract (20 mg/kg).
After a single dose or 15 daily doses, oral administration of the wild oregano aqueous extract (20 mg/kg) produced a significant decrease on blood glucose levels in STZ diabetic rats. In STZ rats, the blood glucose levels were normalised from the fourth day after daily repeated oral administration of aqueous wild oregano extract (20 mg/kg). However, this effect was less pronounced 2 weeks after daily repeated oral administration of wild oregano extract. In addition, no changes were observed in basal plasma insulin concentrations after treatment in either normal or STZ diabetic rats indicating that the aqueous Oregano extract acted without changing insulin secretion. We conclude that an aqueous extract of Oregano exhibits an anti-hyperglycaemic activity in STZ rats without affecting basal plasma insulin concentrations.

Immunostimulatory effect of dietary oregano etheric oils on lymphocytes from growth-retarded, low-weight growing-finishing pigs and productivity Tijdschr Diergeneeskd. 2004 Mar 15;129(6):178-81.

The present study was designed to evaluate the possible effect of dietary oregano etheric oils as non-specific immunostimulating agents in growth-retarded, low-weight growing-finishing pigs. Forty-nine growth-retarded (> 10% under average weight in a group) growing-finishing pigs of the same age were assigned to two groups and treated as follows: Group 1 (n = 25): the animals weighed 58 kg and were fed until slaughter ad libitum with a commercial fattening diet supplemented with 3000 ppm commercial oregano feed additive (Oregpig Pecs, Hungary).
Oregpig is dried leaf and flower of oregano, enriched with 500 g/kg cold-pressed essential oils of the leaf and flower of oregano. Analysis of Oregpig: 60 g carvacrol and 55 g thymol/kilogram. Group 2 (n = 24): the animals weighed 57.9 kg and were fed until slaughter with the same diet without Oregpig supplementation. Oregano-receiving pigs showed a significantly better average daily gain and feed conversion rate than the non-treated animals (Oregpig group 788.1 +/- 31.3 g, control animals 709 g; 2.96, vs. 3.08, respectively).

Mortality was significantly higher in the non-treated animals (oregano group, 1 animal = 4%; control, 8 animals = 33.3%). The proportion of CD4, CD8, MHC class II antigen, and non-T/non-B cells in peripheral blood lymphocytes was significantly higher in the oregano-receiving pigs than in the control animals. The proportion of CD4+ CD8+ double-positive T lymphocytes in peripheral blood and mesenteric lymph nodes was higher in the oregano-receiving pigs than in the control animals. Implication: Dietary oregano improves growth in growth-retarded growing-finishing pigs and has non-specific immunostimulatory effects on porcine immune cells. Effect of dietary supplementation with oregano essential oil on performance of broilers after experimental infection with Eimeria tenella.Arch Tierernahr. 2003 Apr;57(2):99-106.

A study was carried out to examine the effect of dietary supplementation of oregano essential oil on performance of broiler chickens experimentally infected with Eimeria tenella at 14 days of age. A total of 120 day-old Cobb-500 chicks separated into 4 equal groups with three replicates each, were used in this study. Two groups, one infected with 5 x 10(4) sporulated oocysts of E. tenella and the other not, were given a basal diet and served as controls. The other two groups also infected with E. tenella were administered diets supplemented with oregano essential oil at a level of 300 mg/kg, or with the anticoccidial lasalocid at 75 mg/kg. Following this infection, survival rate, bloody diarrhoea and oocysts excretion as well as lesion score were determined. Two weeks after the infection with E. tenella supplementation with dietary oregano oil resulted in body weight gains and feed conversion ratios not differing from the non-infected group, but higher than those of the infected control group and lower than those of the lasalocid group. These parameters correspond with the extent of bloody diarrhoea, survival rate, lesion score and oocyst numbers and indicated that oregano essential oil exerted an anticoccidial effect against E. tenella, which was, however, lower than that exhibited by lasalocid. Antithrombin activity of some constituents from Origanum vulgare - wild oregano plant.Goun E. University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL Fitoterapia. 2002 Dec;73(7-8):692-4.Aristolochic acid I, aristolochic acid II, and D-(+)-raffinose were isolated from oregano plant.

Their inhibition of thrombin and activity against leukemia were evaluated. Aristolochic acid I and II have high inhibition of thrombin activity and were confirmed to possess activity against cancer Inhibition of enteric parasites by emulsified oil of oregano in vivo. Phytother Res. 2000 May;14(3):213-4.Oil of Mediterranean oregano plant - Oreganum vulgare - was orally administered to 14 adult patients whose stools tested positive for enteric parasites, Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba hartmanni and Endolimax nana. After 6 weeks of supplementation with 600 mg emulsified oil of oregano daily, there was complete disappearance of Entamoeba hartmanni (four cases), Endolimax nana (one case), and Blastocystis hominis in eight cases. Also, Blastocystis hominis scores declined in three additional cases. Gastrointestinal symptoms improved in seven of the 11 patients who had tested positive for Blastocystis hominis. Oregano oil research wild oregano plant.

References for Oregano and Oregano oil

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There are many references to the research and studies made on oregano and oregano oil. Some of the many references are detailed below.

Jean Valnet, in his book "The Practice of Aromatherapy", describes how oil of oregano is so strong that it is capable of sterilizing sewage. The oil also possesses significant antioxidant power. Furthermore, it stimulates the flow of bile, which greatly aids digestion.

Research published in the International Journal of Food Microbiology found that oil of oregano is an excellent germicide capable of killing a wide range of fungi and bacteria.

According to the Journal of Applied Nutrition oil of oregano is highly effective for killing Candida.

Researchers in Mexico found it possesses strong antiparasitic actions, especially against Giardia.

As published by Sarer, researchers describe its antiseptic powers as remarkable."

An article published in Phytotherapy Research describes how oregano oil superseded anti-inflammatory drugs in reversing pain and inflammation, and how oregano is nearly as powerful as morphine as a pain killer.

In Herbal Renaissance, Steven Foster credits oregano as having "been employed to treat indigestion, diarrhea, nervous tension, insect bites, toothache, earache, rheumatism and coughs due to whooping cough and bronchitis (primarily for its antispasmodic effects)." The key element in oregano is the oil, which Foster points out "contains carvacrol and thymol as the primary components". Foster attributes the "fungicidal and worm-expellant properties" of oil of oregano to carvacrol and thymol. "These two phenols may constitute as much as 90% of (the oil)."

However, Ingram adds that these two phenols work "synergistically" and that is the reason oil of oregano packs a double punch in antiseptic power and explains why it is "infinitely more potent than commercial phenol in microbial killing power."

All of this helps make oregano oil a significant factor in treating internal and external fungi including athlete's foot. Skin conditions such a psoriasis and eczema can be improved with the treatment as well. Ingram explains the astonishing discovery that "oil of oregano outright destroys all variety of fungi and yeasts, regardless of where they reside."

In addition to fighting various fungi, oil of oregano is useful against bacteria and parasites. As Ingram asserts, "oil of oregano's antiseptic powers are immense . . . it inhibits the growth of the majority of bacteria, something that prescription antibiotics fail to accomplish." In the case of parasites, oil of oregano has had success neutralizing worms, amoeba, and protozoan

The benefits of oregano has gone largely unnoticed and under publicized for far too long. As Ingram notes, oregano is "one of the world's finest natural medicines, that is if it's true oregano."

Numerous university studies (Georgetown, Cornell, Tennessee, etc.) and independent research have shown Oregano Oil to be a potent antimicrobial.

The ever growing body of evidence is showing Oregano Oil to be useful as an antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal agent rivaling even pharmaceutical antibiotics such as streptomycin, penicillin, vacnomycin, nystatin, and amphotericin in its ability to eliminate microbes.

Remarkably it accomplishes this without promoting the development of drug resistant strains and other problems often attributed to the use of standard antibiotics. In addition to this already impressive list of abilities Oregano Oil is also a powerful parasitic expellant, is valuable as a food preservative, and has been used to decontaminate foods from potentially harmful pathogen's.

Carvacrol has been identified as the chief constituent behind Oregano Oil's extraordinary properties and is thought to work synergistically with the other components found in Wild Mediterranean Oregano Oil. These findings have been published in various scientific journals and presented at prestigious scientific functions.

In his article "The Wild Oregano Oil Miracle" Dr. Zoltan P. Rona, MD, MSc relates how Oregano oil (Origanum vulgare) is well known in the Mediterranean world (Greece and Crete) for its ability to slow down food spoilage through its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic and anti-oxidant activity. The related herbs thyme and marjoram sold in most North American supermarkets, are labeled incorrectly as oregano and possess little of wild oregano's miraculous healing properties.

Preliminary research for oregano oil supports its use for infections. Several test-tube studies have shown that oregano oil can inhibit or destroy many strains of bacteria, fungi, and parasites. A handful of human and animal studies, sponsored by an oregano oil manufacturer, have found similar results. Anecdotal evidence supports its use for athlete's foot.

Properties of Oregano oil

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The oil is the source of virtually all of the plant's active ingredients. Oil of oregano is a potent germ killer. Oregano oil has also been known to completely eliminate allergies and sinus problems. It is nearly as powerful as morphine as a pain killer.

The oil also possesses significant antioxidant powers. Furthermore, it stimulates the flow of bile, which greatly aids digestion. Use the Super Strength on or in the body. Oregano is one of the most diverse health aides available.

Meanwhile, researchers have uncovered numerous benefits to using oregano and extracted oil of oregano. But consumer must beware - these significant health benefits are unattainable if the oregano is not the true substance. True oil of oregano offers many exciting remedies to a variety of ailments.

The key element in oregano is the oil, which Foster points out "contains carvacrol and thymol as the primary components." Foster attributes the "fungicidal and worm-expellant properties" of oil of oregano to carvacrol and thymol. "These two phenols may constitute as much as 90% of the oil."

Oregano Oil quality is determined by the Carvacrol content. Carvacrol is a powerful antimicrobial (antibiotic) and is the active ingredient of Oregano Oil. Carvacrol has been identified as the chief constituent behind Oregano Oil's extraordinary properties and is thought to work synergistically with the other components found in Wild Mediterranean Oregano Oil. That view is shared by Dr c Ingram. These findings have been published in various scientific journals and presented at prestigious scientific functions.

Furthermore, Ingram adds that these two phenols work "synergistically" and that is the reason "oil of oregano" packs a double punch in antiseptic power and explains why it is infinitely more potent than commercial phenol in microbial killing power."

All of this helps make oregano oil a significant factor in treating internal and external fungi including athlete’s foot. Skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema can be improved with the treatment as well.

Ingram explains the astonishing discovery that "oil of oregano outright destroys all variety of fungi and yeasts, regardless of where they reside."

The benefits of oregano have gone largely unnoticed and under publicized for far too long. As Ingram notes, oregano is "one of the world's finest natural medicine, that is if it is true oregano".

So while oregano may hold the answer for a number of your health questions, be sure that it is in fact the real thing. Remember, these beneficial remedies are only attributed to genuine oregano and oil of oregano. Nonetheless, their values are much too important to overlook.

Properties of Oregano

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Oregano has a good antioxidant capacity and also presents antimicrobial activity against pathogenic microorganisms like Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, among others.

These are all characteristics of interest for the food industry because they may enhance the safety and stability of foods. There are also some reports regarding the antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic effect of oregano; representing an alternative for the potential treatment and/or prevention of certain chronic ailments, like cancer.

However, Oregano has many other benefits, namely: exterminating fungus, digestive problems, migrane headaches, athletes foot, sore throat, breathing problems, drandruff, and other skin problems amongst others.

How does oregano oil work?

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Carvacrol is the primary component in oregano oil. Research suggests that oxygen molecules in it react with water in your body to create heat that kills germs by dehydrating them.

Thymol - a derivation of thyme, which is found in many commercial commercial cough remedies, including cough drops and skin rubs such as Vicks VapoRub - is the other compound which contributes to the remedial properties of oregano oil.

According to researchers, both of the compounds act "synergically" and help loosen phlegm in the lungs and relieve spasms in the bronchial passages.

How is oregano oil produced?

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Only the leaves of the flowering plant are used. They are picked precisely when the plant is highest in essential oil. The oil is extracted via a completely natural process - that is cold pressed and steam distilled. No chemicals or solvents are used.

What is Oregano oil?

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The Oil of Oregano is an extract from the Oregano plant. It is not to be confused with the common oregano in the kitchen spice cupboard, which is usually Oregano marjoram rather than true oregano - Oreganum vulgare. Oil of oregano is a completely natural substance derived from the Wild oregano Mediterranean species.

Oregano is high on antioxidant activity which is probably the origin of the many health benefits of oregano oil. Oregano Oils, carvacrol and thymol, are believed to be the main sources of its benefits. The most widely known and spread benefit of oregano oil is its ability to cure mild stomach problems. It is also well known for its cough-clearing qualities.

What is Oregano?

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OREGANO is a woody shrub. The wild oregano spice includes various plant species. The most common ones are the genus Origanum, native of Europe, and the genus Lippia, native of Mexico.

Among the species of Origanum their most important components are the limonene, gamma-cariofilene, rho-cymenene, canfor, linalol, alpha-pinene, carvacrol and thymol. In the genus Lippia, the same compounds can be found.

The oregano composition depends on the specie, climate, altitude, the stage of growth and the time of harvest. Some of the properties of this plant's extracts are being currently studied due to the growing interest for substituting synthetic additives commonly found in foods.

The oregano leaves and flowering tops of more than two dozen fragrant plant species are endowed with a distinctive mildly minty flavor widely recognized as the herb oregano.

The most popular of the Origanum species in North America is Origanum vulgare, otherwise known as European oregano or origanum. It is actually a member of the mint family called Labiatae.

The leaves of the oregano plant provide a mild spicy taste that lends itself well to pizza toppings and pasta salads. Aside from its use as a culinary flavoring, the oregano plant also provides a concentrated aromatic oil with distinct healing properties. Texts from ancient times indicate the oil was used as a remedy for seizures and narcotic poisonings, albeit with unknown results

There are a wide variety of plants that are confused with oregano - including marjoram, thyme and sage-true. Oregano grows wildly in the remote mountainous Meditarranean regions in Greece and Turkey, free from air and water pollution. Being wild, oregano is grown chemical-free. The wild oregano is the source of surprisingly potent oregano oil.

How is oregano and oregano oil used to-day?

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Today we know of oregano more as a kitchen herb than as a drug and herbal remedy.

Many people are familiar with the plant oregano and they don't even know it. In fact, many of us have enjoyed oregano with our foods at one point or another. The reason for this is that Oregano is known for being a popular spice used in particularly Greek and Italian foods.

It is used a lot in pizzas, salads and other kinds of pastas. Its origin is said to be the Mediterranean, however today it is used widely as a spice accross the world. The Greeks refers to this kitchen herb as the spice origanos, meaning "delight of the mountains".

However, for many people, it is difficult to think of a common kitchen herb like oregano as a drug and medical remedy.

Nevertheless, how much more would you enjoy it if you realize just how beneficial oregano could be to your health? You would probably sprinkle it on more than just your salads, pizza and spaghetti, right? It is like having the best of both worlds - that is, it is good for the palate as well as our health!

Unfortunately, however, most of the oregano that consumers are familiar with contains only trace quantities of the actual species of the plant, or in some cases, none at all.

In this blog we discuss, in general, how Oregano is one of the most diverse health aids available, and, more specifically, where and how oregano oil, one of the extracts of oregano, is used to heal many of our ailments and illnesses.

History of Oregano

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The history of Oregano goes way back in time with the ancient Greeks and Chinese. At that time oregano has been used as a drug and herbal remedy by the Greeks and Chinese.

The ancient Greeks were among the first to take advantage of oregano's medicinal qualities. The Greeks made compresses from the leaves of oregano to relieve sores and aching muscles.

In China, doctors gave oregano to patients for the relief of fever, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, and itchy skin.

Medical Disclaimer

2006-04-13T21:31:00.000-06:00

Like I said in "Learn why I am writing this blog!" - I am sharing my knowledge on oregano oil. This blog is not the definitive guide to the benefits and shortfalls of using oregano oil and related products. It is not intended to be an authoritative medical manual or journal.

Where recommendations are made you should consult with your personal doctor to assess your medical condition. Your doctor, alone, will make his own recommendations as to whether you should use any of the recommendations made in this blog.

Should you decide not to consult with your own doctor and, thus, make your own judgement, you, then, must accept full responsibility for your own actions.

Learn why I am writing this blog!

2006-04-13T20:52:00.000-06:00

The reason I am writing this blog is to share with you my knowledge of oregano oil and to learn from you as well. I am not a doctor of any sort or an expert in oregano oil.

I am, however, a consumer of oregano oil. I will continue to learn about the benefits and shortfalls of using oregano oil. I will continually make postings to this blog on any ailment or illness, irrespective of whether I am using oregano oil to heal the particular ailment or illness under discussion.

I, sincerely, hope that you will join me in forming an 'oregano oil' community where anyone, who is willing to contribute, is welcome to make comments on the postings I make by virtue of their own knowledge or reading of the subject matter or on their own experiences - whether they are good or bad - in the use of oregano oil to heal any particular ailment or illness under discussion.

With that said, I welcome you to this blog and ask you to refer your family, friends, and any interested party to this blog. And let us make this blog a dynamic blog with a dynamic 'oregano oil' community for the benefit of our community and the world at large.